Glogster

Title: Glogster http://www.glogster.com/

Glogster.com is a website that allows users to create and publish electronic posters on the internet. Users are able to embed links, music, and videos on to the poster board as well as paste text and images. I think this is a great instructional tool for teachers who are looking to give students an opportunity to use technology and creativity in their assignments. It is also a great tool for districts looking to save paper.

Main Features:

Glogster provides students with a blank electronic substrate that can be used to display learning of a particular subject and/or as a presentation piece. A teacher could also use Glogster as am instructional tool like a PowerPoint or Prezi. Users are able to create electronic posters that have digital text, embedded music, links, videos, and pictures. The students can decorate their glogs with different backgrounds, fonts, and styles. If you look at the glog I created (link below) you will notice that every picture and text box has a link embedded and there are multiple videos. Users can also comment on others glogs which can give students the ability to critique others work.

New users will need to create an account. The accounts are free but an email address is required. The only draw back of the webpage design is that electronic poster board is a bit small. But, since it allows the user to embed links to other websites users can thread a lot of information through the glog. The website generally works well but is sometimes a bit slow.

Level of Difficulty:

The website is pretty user friendly. Users who have basic or intermediate computer skills should be able to navigate the site and create a glog fairly easily. Glogsters graphic interface is set up like a template so users do not need any advance html skill. Toolbars are available and features are labeled well so that new users will be able to point and click their way through the process. Users who are familiar with Microsoft programs such as Word and Power Point should pick up the process fairly quickly. I would estimate that the average student (7-12th grade) would be able their create first a Glogster page in under 45 minutes.

Potential Applications:

I think this could be a great instructional for Social Studies and English, but It could easily be used in multiple subjects. This could be used as a tool for direct instruction by the teacher in the place of Power Point or a Smart program. I think its best suited for student centered project or inquiry based learning. Students could use Glogster to create biography’s, book projects, propaganda posters, or as a tool for a class presentation on any subject. It gives students the ability to be creative and show off their work to the class. What I like the most about Glogster is the ability to save paper. Many of my colleagues have lessons where by their students make posters on large sheets of paper which in generally thrown away at the end. Glogster has the ability to save school districts lots of money in the costs of paper and supplies.

Link to glog: http://www.glogster.com/paulmg01/paul-revere/g-6m3s38vfhqpdml6ei1jada0

Conclusion:

I do believe this tool is worth learning. It is fairly easy to use and most students will be able to create a glog in no time at all. I think it is a great tool for getting students engaged and it allows for them to be creative. I think it is important for educators to consider the culture of the students they are teaching. Students today live in a very technological based world. Tools like Glogster are great Green tools and reduce the amount of waste created in schools.